GUILTY TX - Former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, indicted for Murder of Botham Shem Jean #8

[imstilla.grandma]

On Friday morning, a news conference with the Jean family, some members of the Dallas clergy, Faith Forward, Mothers Against Police Brutality and other activists plan to announce demands for necessary changes at the Dallas Police Department and for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of the Dallas Police Department. They're also calling for "greater federal protection of human rights and greater involvement in ending police brutality nationwide."
Jean Family, Attorney & Activists Demand Change at Dallas PD

 

[grammieto5]

“I think were were all on the same page, as far as us thinking, yes she’s guilty, said one juror; the other said, “We walked through what murder was and it was the intent to kill somebody, and that was the first thing they gave us and we all said she was guilty probably within five minutes of being in there.”

To his critics the 18-year old told the network:

“I waited a year to hear I’m sorry and I’m grateful for that and that’s why I forgive her.”

He also said, “This is what you have to do to set yourself free. I didn’t plan on going through my life hating this woman.”

"I know that there's something called peace of mind and that's the type of stuff you need to do to have peace of mind," he said. "That is why I wake up happy in the morning. That is why I want to live happy later on in my life."

That was just my gesture, my decision of letting her know that I truly forgive her:

"I love you just like anyone else and I'm not going to hope you rot and die," Brandt Jean told Guyger. "I personally want the best for you. I wasn't going to say this in front of my family, I don't even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you because I know that's exactly what Botham would want for you. Give your life to Christ. I think giving your life to Christ is the best thing Botham would want for you."

"I knew that I just told her that I forgave her and with usual instances the words only, they mean something, but I felt like that wasn't enough," Brandt Jean said on "GMA" of his request to hug Guyger. "That was just my gesture, my decision of letting her know that I truly forgive her."

"We don't know what's going to happen [in the future]," he said. "I just felt like I had to get that point across to her."
"Each and every one has steps to get towards actually forgiving. I probably went through those faster than other people. Some people went through it faster than me," he said. "If you are trying to forgive [Guyger], understand that she is a human being. She still deserves love."

"She made a mistake that she probably truly regrets so if you want to forgive her, just understand that God forgave you," Brandt Jean added. "I know that every time I ask God for forgiveness, he forgives me, so who am I to not forgive someone who asks?"

"That was not saying there are no consequences for someone's actions, for her actions," said Bertrum Jean, a minister in St. Lucia. "But he forgave her and it is all right to forgive. Jesus said we need to forgive. So we can forgive people, right?

"I think what we saw was a jury that came back with a verdict of guilty of murder. That is significant to me," Allison Jean told ABC News. "No matter how long she serves that sentence, she has a record that she is a murderer."
Two Jurors & Brandt Jean Talk About the Trial of Amber Guyger

All of this....is why I hope she does not appeal. Ag has been given a second chance from so many people.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"The corruption we saw during this process must stop," Allison said. "And it must stop for you because after now I leave Dallas, but you live in Dallas and it must stop for everyone. The contamination of a crime scene that we saw in this case must never happen again."

"The testimony that came out in this trial is not reflective of the men and women of the Dallas Police Department," Hall said.

Betrum told the congregation that because of his faith, he believes he could be Guyger's friend at some point. Botham's mother, Allison, reiterated her husband, adding, "It does not mean that everything else we have suffered has to go unnoticed."

"What Brandt did today was remarkable and it will be a big talker and what we must do, but I don't want the community to be mistaken by what happen in the courtroom," Allison said.

"What you saw and what you heard in the courtroom really showed what your system is and you must seek to do something about it. You saw a contaminated crime scene, you saw deletion of evidence by persons in high offices. You saw turning off of body cams and saw cameras in the vehicles."
Jean Family, Attorney & Activists Demand Change at Dallas PD

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Poll:
NBC DFW

 

[turaj]

Okay one more post...not a fan of Dr. Phil and sort of surprised but apparently the Jean family did an interview with him (I am sure the show will give a substantial contribution to the Jean Fund so maybe worth it) and read this on Daily Mail (Ok I know it is a rag but usually correct on this stuff)
"
Botham Jean's parents have spoken of the harrowing moment they were forced to watch body cam footage of their dying son after he was shot by Amber Guyger and say they will never be able to the image out of their minds.

A heartbreaking image emerged during Guyger's murder trial in Dallas last week of the victim's parents, Bertrum and Allison Jean, cowering and covering their ears in the courtroom.

The footage had been played a day earlier but Jean's family left the courtroom before it was shown. Judge Tammy Kemp asked to see the video again the next day but forgot to warn his parents.

In an interview with Dr Phil set to air on Friday, Jean's parents - who were visibly upset when they unwillingly saw the footage - said the image of their son's final moments kept replaying in their heads. "

Interview could be interesting and I will say that was a BIG MISTAKE for the judge and I am sure they will never forget it.

 

[BellaVita]

I wonder if she is unbiased if she is judging an atheist, a Muslim, a Hindu of a Jew. It is really concerning. Religion is a deeply personal thing, not a medal to be worn on her mantle.

I am not religious but to a person of devout Christian faith...it is not just personal. Believers are instructed to witness. In a time where people of faith are ridiculed, her actions showed tremendous courage of her convictions. If people abided by the 10 Commandments, how great a place would this world be? I am frankly envious of Brandt Jean and the Judge. Amber is undoubtedly a flawed human being. So many up on their high horse, hiding behind the internet. There are just some people in this world who shine. There is a woman at the local convenience store who just shines. Her light is undeniable to all she meets. The light of this Judge SHINES. The world needs people like this. IMO.

 

[turaj]

I am not religious but to a person of devout Christian faith...it is not just personal. Believers are instructed to witness. In a time where people of faith are ridiculed, her actions showed tremendous courage of her convictions. If people abided by the 10 Commandments, how great a place would this world be? I am frankly envious of Brandt Jean and the Judge. Amber is undoubtedly a flawed human being. So many up on their high horse, hiding behind the internet. There are just some people in this world who shine. There is a woman at the local convenience store who just shines. Her light is undeniable to all she meets. The light of this Judge SHINES. The world needs people like this. IMO.

i think most of us commenting on her actions are doing so in the context of a courtroom in the USA and separation of church and state..there is no "high horse" or "hiding behind internet" at all...this is a discussion going on in person all over the country. As you say at the end "IMO"...well some of us have a different one. Judge Kemp is presiding over another case probably right now and has moved on and so should all of us. It was a civilized discussion.

 

[BellaVita]

i think most of us commenting on her actions yesterday are doing so in the context of a courtroom in the USA..there is no "high horse" or "hiding behind internet" at all...this is a discussion going on in person all over the country. As you say at the end "IMO"...well some of us have a different one. Judge Kemp is presiding over another case probably right now and has moved on and so should all of us. It was a civilized discussion.

Judge Kemp's actions were all for the good. In every way. I will never, ever see how her actions or beliefs harmed anybody. I believe she has demonstrated high emotional intelligence. She followed her heart and made the world a better place. It happened to be in court room. Too bad, so sad for those who criticize her.

 

[magnolia]

I'm glad jurors spoke out. I still don't agree with their decision of 10 years, but they clearly deliberated in good faith and thoughtfully, and followed the law in reaching their decision.

Ironically, I think the fact Amber was a cop actually worked in her favor. It sounds like at least some jurors compared her decision to shoot to kill with the decisions by other cops to fire (upon blacks) at will.

If that was their point of reference, then Amber gets the benefit of the doubt. She shot "by mistake," thinking the apartment her own, rather than intentionally, as in, thinking a black man in a pulled over car was reaching for a gun, not his registration.

I wonder what sentence they would have given if Amber hadn't been a cop, if she had been just a gun-toting white woman who mistakenly went to the wrong apartment, opened the door, and shot to kill?

I totally believe the sentence would have been the same.

One question answered. (Assume you read what the jurors speaking out said about how quickly they agreed on verdict of murder).

Thank-you. I did listen to two of the Jurors. However, their quick decision on murder didn't answer my question in regards to their interest in the charge of manslaughter and castle doctrine.

 

[Hraefn]

Poll:
NBC DFW

Interesting IMO, thanks for sharing

 

[Hraefn]

Judge Kemp's actions were all for the good. In every way. I will never, ever see how her actions or beliefs harmed anybody. I believe she has demonstrated high emotional intelligence. She followed her heart and made the world a better place. It happened to be in court room. Too bad, so sad for those who criticize her.

IMO it’s mostly inappropriate because if the case gets appeals and comes back down to the trial court, Judge Kemp is still the Judge on the trial court level of the case. It’s not technically over yet.

 

[BellaVita]

IMO it’s mostly inappropriate because if the case gets appeals and comes back down to the trial court, Judge Kemp is still the Judge on the trial court level of the case. It’s not technically over yet.

The trial was over. Done. Is Amber going to say she was denied a fair trial and sentence because the Judge expressed Grace and Mercy towards her?

 

[magnolia]

The trial was over. Done. Is Amber going to say she was denied a fair trial and sentence because the Judge expressed Grace and Mercy towards her?

Raising my hand to answer this. "NO"

 

[Hope4More]

i think most of us commenting on her actions are doing so in the context of a courtroom in the USA and separation of church and state..there is no "high horse" or "hiding behind internet" at all...this is a discussion going on in person all over the country. As you say at the end "IMO"...well some of us have a different one. Judge Kemp is presiding over another case probably right now and has moved on and so should all of us. It was a civilized discussion.

A (constitutional law) attorney for the org that filed a complaint against Kemp AND the attorney for Botham Jean's parents, in interviews, offered virtually identical opinions about Kemp's interactions with Amber post-sentencing:

1. That Kemp clearly got "caught up in the moment."
2. That her getting caught up in the moment was understandable.
3. That her actions were "a mistake."

That's a fair and balanced take, imo.

 

[Hope4More]

The trial was over. Done. Is Amber going to say she was denied a fair trial and sentence because the Judge expressed Grace and Mercy towards her?

The trial isn't considered over and done, actually, until all appeals are exhausted and her PCR proceedings (if she files) have concluded.

And, what Amber thinks about Kemp's actions is irrelevant, unless she felt coerced, which doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Officer involved shootings data
https://dallaspolice.net/reports/Shared Documents/General-Order-906.pdf

This is brand spanking new to me *imo overnight. I search it daily. Forgive please if I’m wrong...
* Trouble directing link to *Reducing Deadly Force Incidents* sub link on page.
Apologies for the multiple process posts.
Officer involved shootings data
The Dallas Police Department continually reviews the use of deadly force and strives to develop training and procedures that can assist in reducing the likelihood that deadly force will become an option. The following is indicative of steps taken by the department to assist officers in resolving incidents without having to resort to deadly force.

• Departmental Philosophy Statement - The Dallas Police Department has instituted a philosophy statement that guides officers in the use of force. It recognizes that protection of human life is the primary goal of the department.
• Deadly Force Policy - The Police Department's deadly force policy is guided by our philosophy and incorporates nationally recognized best practices.
• Training - The Police Department provides a myriad of training opportunities that are designed to enhance officer safety while reinforcing the department's police statement. Some of the training provided is as follows:
  • Reality Based Training where lessons learned are combined with policy, tactics and strategies to simulate critical incidents as realistically as possible to strengthen response and increase successful outcomes.
  • Diversity training nurtures respect of social differences and cultivates community aspects.
  • Verbal Skills training to foster effective communication and expected outcomes during interaction between officers and the public.
  • Crisis Intervention training provides assessment skills to enhance officers' ability to recognize individuals experiencing emotional and/or mental crisis and provides strategies to de-escalate an episode to reduce risk to all parties.
  • Use of Force training bolsters officers' obligation to use only the degree of force necessary to control a situation.
  • Legal training is provided to reinforce understanding the legitimacy of the public's interest in the actions and expectations of its Police Department.
• Tasers are less lethal weapons that are known as an effective tool to mitigate the use of deadly force. The Dallas Police Department's goal is to ensure that all uniformed first responders are equipped with this tool.
• Body Cameras are recognized as an emerging technology with vast potential. The use of body cameras is designed to enhance officer professionalism and put an unruly suspect on notice that their actions are being recorded, thus reducing the likelihood of an incident escalating to the need to deploy deadly force. The Dallas Police Department's goal is to have a body camera at the scene of each police incident.
• Use of Force Reporting has been established to identify trends, improve training and safety and provide timely information to DPD regarding "response to resistance" issues.

Officer involved shootings data

 

[magnolia]

I'm glad jurors spoke out. I still don't agree with their decision of 10 years, but they clearly deliberated in good faith and thoughtfully, and followed the law in reaching their decision.

Ironically, I think the fact Amber was a cop actually worked in her favor. It sounds like at least some jurors compared her decision to shoot to kill with the decisions by other cops to fire (upon blacks) at will.

If that was their point of reference, then Amber gets the benefit of the doubt. She shot "by mistake," thinking the apartment her own, rather than intentionally, as in, thinking a black man in a pulled over car was reaching for a gun, not his registration.

I wonder what sentence they would have given if Amber hadn't been a cop, if she had been just a gun-toting white woman who mistakenly went to the wrong apartment, opened the door, and shot to kill?

What did the Jurors say that made you believe the bolded. ???

 

[BellaVita]

The trial isn't considered over and done, actually, until all appeals are exhausted and her PCR proceedings (if she files) have concluded.

And, what Amber thinks about Kemp's actions is irrelevant, unless she felt coerced, which doesn't seem to be the case.

An appeal is for the accused. How was this detrimental to Amber in any way? I understand many people don't think the sentence was long enough but the Judge did not impose it. I don't need to be educated on appeals. How would the actions of the Judge negatively affect Amber?

 

[magnolia]

AG testified a lot of BS.
Did you believe everything she said?
I did not.
She shot him bullseye in the heart.
Ergo, she could see who she was shooting.
She shot to kill.

So, the shooting was racially motivated because the man she thought was an intruder happened to be a black man.

 

[turaj]

The trial isn't considered over and done, actually, until all appeals are exhausted and her PCR proceedings (if she files) have concluded.

And, what Amber thinks about Kemp's actions is irrelevant, unless she felt coerced, which doesn't seem to be the case.

You know this is the first I heard about that potential appeal coming back and Judge Kemp getting the case back again. That could happen and another major reason why judges don't run down and comfort sentenced defendants. Excellent point. Actually I am sure there are many reasons and my guess is Judge Kemp will not be doing that again.